Studies on the humidity and temperature reactions of Dermestes maculatus Deg. (Col., Dermestidae), with reference to infestation in dried fish in Nigeria

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Abstract
Infestations of Dermestes maculatus Deg. in dried fish at Dugbe market, Ibadan, are favoured by traditional packaging and display methods. In laboratory experiments last-instar larvae and adults showed low thigmokinesis and a bias towards the dry end of a 50–100% r.h. gradient; in alternative humidities between 40% and 100% last-instar larvae and adults selected 60–80% r.h., adults having a stronger preference than the larvae for the higher humidity; in a temperature gradient last-instar larvae and adults avoided the 30–45° C zone and showed low thigmokinesis and immobilisation at 19° C. These findings were generally consistent with observations in the market. Heating dried fish in an oven at 60° C for 30 min killed all larvae and adults of D. maculatus present. Two 30-min heat treatments at four-day intervals in a simple charcoal-fired oven and storage in metal containers would control the pest.